Author Archive
‘Fences’ actor got his career started at his Catholic high school
IMAGE: CNS photo/Paramount By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — In a real-life situation akin to the “High School Musical” movie franchise, Russell Hornsby was a jock who got the acting bug via the high school musical. Hornsby, a native of Oakland, California, was a sophomore at the all-boys St. Mary’s …
Catholic Benefits Association blasts federal transgender regulation
By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — The Catholic Benefits Association, which is made up of Catholic employers nationwide, has come out against a federal regulation scheduled to take effect Jan. 1 that redefines “sex” for anti-discrimination purposes to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The regulation from the Department of …
Reform is more than just a face-lift, pope tells Curia
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The reform of the Roman Curia is not a mere face-lift to rejuvenate an aging body but a process of deep, personal conversion, Pope Francis said. Meeting with cardinals and the heads of Vatican offices for his annual Christmas …
Abortion foes buoyed by prospects for abortion limits under a Trump presidency
IMAGE: CNS photo/Kevin Lamarque, Reuters By Dennis Sadowski WASHINGTON (CNS) — President-elect Donald Trump’s commitments to nominate pro-life justices to the U.S. Supreme Court and support legislative efforts to limit abortion are invigorating abortion foes. Leaders in organizations such as U.S. bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities; National Right to Life, …
In multicultural Lebanon, Nativity scenes are common in public places
IMAGE: CNS photo/Johnny Antoun By Doreen Abi Raad BEIRUT (CNS) — Amid the turmoil in the Middle East and persecution of Christians in surrounding countries, the Christmas spirit is evident in Lebanon: sparkling lights, decorated trees and even mangers in public places. “Wherever you go you can find Christmas decorations,” …
Christmas reminds us of hope for the future, pope says
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The birth of Christ is a reminder for Christians to take a moment and reflect on the hope of salvation given by God to the world, Pope Francis said. Those who are humble and poor like the shepherds come …
Sainthood cause formally opened for former slave who served Denver’s poor
IMAGE: CNS photo/iconographer Vivian Imbruglia, courtesy Archdiocese of Denver By DENVER (CNS) — Denver Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila Dec. 18 formally opened the sainthood cause of Julia Greeley, a former slave who spent her days caring for the poor, during a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception …
USCCB president urges Catholics to give gift of themselves in New Year
IMAGE: CNS/Karen Callaway, Catholic New World By WASHINGTON (CNS) — In his message for Christmas, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, encouraged Catholics to visit the manger this Christmas and reflect on how to give of themselves in the New Year. “My …
Pope denounces ‘homicidal madness’ after attacks in Berlin, Ankara
IMAGE: CNS photo/Fabrizio Bensch, Reuters By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Expressing his condolences to victims and their families, Pope Francis called for an end to terrorism following a string of deadly attacks in Berlin and Ankara. Similar to an attack with a truck that took place in …
Pope names first woman to head Vatican Museums
IMAGE: CNS/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis has chosen, for the first time, a woman to head the Vatican Museums. Barbara Jatta, 54, is an Italian art historian and graphic arts expert, who had been serving as vice-director of the museums since June. The Vatican …